What is ABS 3D printing?
ABS is a general-purpose thermoplastic printed on our large-format FDM platform, and the cost-effective choice in our range. It offers 33 MPa tensile strength, an 87 °C heat deflection temperature and 10.5% elongation at break — the most ductile of our general-purpose grades. It is specified for prototypes, fit-check and form models rather than functional load-bearing parts.
How strong is ABS?
33 MPa tensile strength with 21.5 kJ/m² notched impact. That is the lowest tensile figure in our FDM range, but paired with 10.5% elongation it makes ABS forgiving rather than brittle — it deforms and absorbs a knock where a carbon-filled grade would crack. For parts that carry real load, PA6-GF at 80 MPa or PA6-CF at 109 MPa are the rigid options.
What is ABS used for?
Fit-check models, form and concept models, design iteration parts, enclosure mock-ups, housings and covers, light-duty brackets, jigs and assembly aids, and display models — up to 500 × 500 × 900 mm in one piece.
ABS or ASA — which should I choose?
Ask one question: is the part going outside? ASA is UV-stable, ABS is not, and ASA yellows and embrittles far more slowly in sunlight. Otherwise ASA leads on heat (100 vs 87 °C) and strength (37 vs 33 MPa), while ABS is the tougher on impact (21.5 vs 19.6 kJ/m²) and the more ductile at 10.5% elongation against 9.2%. For indoor prototypes on a budget, ABS; for weatherable enclosures and covers, ASA.
Is ABS good for outdoor use?
No. ABS yellows and becomes brittle under prolonged UV exposure, so it is not the grade for parts that live outside. ASA is the direct replacement — more heat resistance at 100 °C, similar cost, and formulated to be UV-stable for outdoor enclosures and covers.
Does ABS warp?
ABS shrinks as it cools, so wide unsupported flat areas are the classic warp risk in any ABS print. In practice it is a geometry and orientation problem rather than a material fault: ribs, a split, or simply rotating the part usually resolves it. We review the geometry free with your quote and flag anything likely to move before it is printed.
Can ABS be vapor smoothed?
Yes — and it is the only grade in our FDM range that takes a true vapor smooth. The process seals the layer lines into a continuous glossy surface, so a printed part reads much closer to a moulded one. It is the reason ABS still gets specified for presentation models, cosmetic mock-ups and parts where the surface itself matters. Ask for vapor smoothing with your instant online quote.
How much does ABS 3D printing cost?
Upload your CAD to our instant online quote and select FDM ABS — the price appears immediately, with no minimum order and instant pricing on runs up to 100,000 parts. ABS is the most cost-effective grade in our FDM range, which is why it is the default for prototyping and fit-check work.
Where can I find ABS material properties and a datasheet?
How do I order ABS 3D printed parts in the UK?
Upload your CAD to our instant online quote and select FDM ABS. As a UK 3D printing service bureau we print, finish and inspect in-house in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, and ship UK-wide — from single prototypes to production batches.
